Capital Campaign Blog

Campaign Spotlight:
Robin Toft

We are grateful to Robin Toft for her generous support of Community Resource Center and her commitment to empowering women and creating a safe, supportive community. Robin’s Leadership gift will help transform our campus and provide an inviting, secure space for those in need of support and resources. In this Campaign Spotlight, Robin shares her journey with CRC and why she is passionate about supporting our mission.

“Everyone in our community deserves safe homes and access to food during tough times. I grew up knowing that if I were ever blessed with resources, gifts, and talents beyond what I personally needed, it would be important to share the wealth and help others.”

Robin Toft

Supporting CRC: A Personal Commitment to Empowerment

By Robin Toft

When I learned about CRC’s Capital Campaign, I was immediately inspired. CRC’s services have grown exponentially in both scope and the number of clients served since its founding 45 years ago. It is clear that more space is needed to not only keep up with demand but also to improve and expand services.

My journey with CRC began at a local life sciences event where I was speaking. One of CRC’s board directors suggested I meet John Van Cleef, CRC’s CEO, as she felt we shared common values and intentions around helping others in the community. I reached out to John, who scheduled a tour of the Encinitas facility. The tour was very impressive, and I decided to get involved and began supporting CRC. I’ve supported CRC with donations for approximately three years and have been increasing my engagement level ever since.

Robin Toft at CRC’s 2024 Tea with
John Van Cleef, CEO, and Dr. Pamila Brar

The safe homes aspect of CRC is particularly compelling because empowering women worldwide has always been important to me. I have personally supported multiple domestic violence organizations in San Diego and believe that all families are at risk, particularly if young women struggle with self-esteem and their families lack awareness of the warning signs. CRC is committed to preventing domestic violence through education and community involvement, making a difference by housing women and families and providing counseling in times of need.

CRC’s events and communications have also been both educational and inspirational for me. I love hearing success stories from people we have helped and how their lives have changed. Everyone in our community deserves safe homes and access to food during tough times.

I grew up knowing that if I were ever blessed with resources, gifts, and talents beyond what I personally needed, it would be important to share the wealth and help others. I also feel it is important to experience the impact of my contributions during my lifetime, rather than leaving it to be distributed after I’m gone. I’ve learned through experience that giving creates abundance in my life, and the more I give, the more love and joy I receive. 

My two greatest areas of focus are empowering women worldwide and improving cancer care in my lifetime. I currently support many nonprofit organizations and serve on the boards of Curebound and the American Cancer Society. I also serve as an advisor for SD2, Life Science Cares, How Women Lead, and Women Leaders for the World.

CRC’s new facility will beautify 2nd Street in Encinitas and provide a safe and welcoming meeting place for people in our community who need assistance. I was particularly moved and inspired by the changes to the counseling center, so clients can enter and exit from different doors, ensuring privacy and a more comfortable experience after their therapy sessions. I’m super inspired by the magnitude and vision of John Van Cleef to raise capital for such an impressive expansion.

CRC was recently awarded Nonprofit of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal, and John Van Cleef was named CEO of the Year—recognitions that are well deserved. This organization is committed to making a huge difference for San Diego residents!

If you’d like to learn more about CRC’s capital campaign, how you can support our shared vision for a new campus, and what naming opportunities are available, please visit the campaign website or send an email to OneHeart@crcncc.org.